WRONG WAY RING

On my last tour to the west of Ireland, I travelled the 'wrong' way around the Ring of Kerry (ie clockwise), a capital crime for Irish drivers, but far better for our passengers. We arrived in Limerick by four instead of six or later and had a reasonably civilised day without any problems so will dot his again in future.
Actually, the Ring is less of a trial these days as the roads have been widened and improved. Less fun but the mountains and the sea are still the same. Now fort he irish drivers to see if they will agree to this...

GOOD? FRIDAY

As someone with the vestiges of religious belief I have mixed feelings about Easter and guiding. It is always a busy time with lots of student groups from Us and, particularly this year, Canada who are here for the ninetieth anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge in Normandy. The work pays cash, commands an extra 50% on three of the four days over the long weekend and is fiarly undemanding as well as lucrative. It seems almost Christmassy in its combination of leisure and monetary opportunity. Guides have always had to work in these times, while others are on holiday, and relax while others are working or commuting.
And yet, there seems soemthing a bit tacky about rushing out to earn dosh over Easter when we might pause for a moment and remember the man who preached love and selflessness two thousand years ago, whether he was the son of God or not (most unlikely in my view). Leena and I went to a lovely Maundy service yesterday at Brixton Unitarian church yesterday evening and I will be off to work in a few hours, and on tour in a few days, she tomorrow morning. I do not have the faith or the bottom for a long Good Friday service but might pop in to St Paul's later. I will not work on Easter Sunday, despite the enticing £170, plus 50%, plus £10 meal allowance, plus maybe a tip - could be £300 for a day's work which is tempting. Howeverr, even Tescos will be closed for business then, and so will I...

USING THE TUBE

Good to see that EF, the high school operators bringing groups from USA and Canada (particularly the latter this year) are still suing guides although they are cutting back on everything else - no visit to St Paul's, sometimes no coach in the afternoon, still cheap and cheerful restaurants. Around Easter guiding work paid in cash is very handy, particularly as they often tip quite well. The trouble with the last two tours has been that, to economise, the company has cut out the coach in the afternoon of the ful day London, when you go to the Tower on the tube.
Advantage is that you can finish early. Disadvantages are that you have to pay for your tube ticket and that the tour tends to fizzle out when you take them to the crown jewels so they do not tip. You don't have the opportunity to wind up the tour on the mike in a way that makes it clear that you are parting company,w hich is a natural thing to do, and which has the added advantage of concentrating their mind on a tip.
Still the fees have just gone up so getting £180 total for a day that ends at four is not too bad...